Wing Butler: Onsite Sign Language Interpreters Face Extinction

Wing Butler presented, Onsite Sign Language Interpreters Face Extinction, at StreetLeverage - Live. His talk examined the legislation and technology developments of the 90's that defined the values of the sign language interpreters in the "Onsite Era" and how these values are now being replaced by the values of a "Virtual Presence Era." Wing suggested that the iterative realignment of these values leaves sign language interpreters vulnerable to a number of dangerous pitfalls.
More at: www.streetleverage.com

[@ASLTHAT]

Wing Butler Wing Butler YOU AMAZING CHAMP ASL (hands smoking)! Crisp, articulate, wide variety of facial expression, and expert in use of signing space!

[@andrearoose5919]

I haven't gotten to watch your full presentation yet, but so far, YOU ARE HILARIOUS!! I had never heard of you, but am glad I found you! Your clarity and creativity, especially showing the curtains moving and waking up your dad, are brilliant!

[@Writinghood]

Hi Wing, My cousin and I were just joking about this topic today; we had this idea that 50 years from now onsite physical interpreters would be a thing of the past. Of course, we’ll both be gone, but we toyed with the extinction concept so we Googled ‘interpreter extinction’. There you were, right at the top! We watched your amazingly educational presentation and were impressed, especially the slides: Interpreter Timeline, Internet Timeline, and Virtual Presence. In the section, The Next 50 Years - Leverage Technology, we really liked your idea to “use technology to amplify, not replace, the voice of the interpreter”. We found your presentation thought-provoking, well organized, and admirably presented. Thank you!

[@aslmastertutor1670]

I am so glad, as an ASL Culturally Deaf individual - I fight everyday with the hearing system that keeps denying for in person ASL interpreters. I even sued one hospital in Ohio but my lawyer was ill equipped to convince them as they figured out all the loopholes that they are still following ADA (pathetic btw) laws - while my needs were lost inside the cheese holes. ADA has to be tweaked better for the Deaf signing population from deaf education, deaf services, and ASL interpreters/CDI interpreters. There has to be a way to write more research, more surveys, more proof to convince the government to keep in person interpreters and now Deaf Interpreters too. The youngsters keep forgetting how much activism the previous deaf leaders fought so hard for the luxuries they have now. After living in 7 different states in the USA, I've seen shocking decline of "qualified" ASL interpreters. After 28 years of mentoring ASL interpreting students, I pour my heart, mind and soul into molding them to become beyond qualified and now they're leading successful careers. Sadly more and more, since covid-19, interpreters love working at home, saving them gas money, being able to care for their children, not have to drive in winters or long distances and VRS companies provide all the technology to stay in their homes without supervision. I'll keep fighting even when I'm dead & buried.... 3 days later, I'll still keep fighting for our rights. Thank you, Wing, for your eloquent presentation.... feels so nice to know I ain't alone in our Deaf Values.

[@netripized]

Excellent presentation. We as community in whole are accountable on how things are progressing that shall impact n our daily lives. Great presentation, Wing.

[@ASLInterpreterSHansen]

Uhh....I WILL TRY. I love onsite interpreting and am resistant (that is a gentle term) to being in a VRI box. On a pole. With crappy connections and freezing screens and sitting in a room with a computer alone. Grrrrrr..... Thanks for letting me vent!! ;oD

[@noemisifuentes4728]

Well said!!! It is inspiring to see such a talent, knowledge, and passion. Great for new and old aspiring interpreters. THANKS!!!

[@wingbutler2699]

Thanks for your input Sean. As someone I respect, it means a lot to me coming from you.

[@shannonmulhall3956]

Thank you for the very thought provoking presentation!

[@lookingup82]

I struggle with that idea in a MEDICAL setting. IN a Hospital ER or medical setting. I think a physical presence is best for that kind of Interpreting.

[@candacedavider]

AWESOME!

[@SillyGooseNati0n]

I can't hear the sound at all in this video.

[@frozen1002000]

When people of normal hearing want to understand a KZbin video in Sign language...

[@silenceisg4903]

Silly Goose Please tell me you are kidding!!!